Blood urea nitrogen BUN , serum. Accessed April 17, Rodwell VW, et al. In: Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry. McGraw-Hill Education; Lab Tests Online. Blood urea nitrogen. Kidney disease adult. Mayo Clinic; Inkler LA, et al. Assessment of kidney function. National Kidney Foundation. KDIGO clinical practice guidelines for the evaluation and management of chronic kidney disease. Kidney International Supplements.
Chebib FT expert opinion. Mayo Clinic. April 19, They will often use a vein in front of the elbow or the back of the hand. After the test, most people return to their usual routine.
However, some people may also feel faint, hungry, or dehydrated. If the area around the draw site becomes painful, inflamed, or starts to discharge pus or excess blood, the person should seek medical attention.
A BUN test that demonstrates a rise or fall in blood urea nitrogen levels might indicate a wide range of health problems. This is because the kidneys and liver are involved in a vast scope of bodily functions, and problems elsewhere in the body that affect kidneys or liver function can also end up leading to an abnormality in the BUN level.
General reference ranges for a normal BUN level are as follows:. However, these ranges will likely vary from lab to lab. If you are significantly outside the normal range at the lab your blood is sent to, it could be due to underlying kidney or liver disease. People should speak to their doctor about what their results mean. This class of drugs includes ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. Natural diuretics, such as caffeine, and prescription diuretics can also affect the kidneys. Antibiotics can also impact BUN levels.
Many prescription drugs can affect the kidneys, some less frequently than others, resulting in abnormal BUN levels, including:. According to the National Kidney Foundation, herbal supplements can also adversely affect the kidneys of people with kidney disease. Generally, the U. This means that the effective dosage, source, and even the precise mixture of the supplement are uncertain.
This lack of regulation also means herbal supplements may contain compounds that damage the kidneys, such as heavy metals or aristolochic acid. People with kidney or liver disease should also limit or monitor phosphorous and potassium intake.
BUN testing alone is not enough to diagnose any condition. It may merely highlight the need for further, more specific testing. If BUN results come back higher or lower than usual, a healthcare professional will usually follow up with other tests.
A serum creatinine test combined with the BUN level can help highlight particular conditions. A doctor may also carry out testing to measure the blood levels of specific electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium, and calcium , as well as ordering urine tests.
Commonly, a serum chemistry panel is ordered, which typically measures the levels of BUN, creatinine, and electrolytes. In some instances, doctors may also follow up abnormal BUN results by evaluating the BUN-to-creatinine ratio in the bloodstream. Creatinine is a waste product that occurs after the muscles break down creatine. Certain factors, such as dehydration, pregnancy, high or low protein intake, steroids, and aging can impact your levels without indicating a health risk.
This may cause you to bleed more than expected during the test. In rare cases, people become lightheaded or faint after having blood drawn. Notify your doctor if you experience any unexpected or prolonged side effects after the test. A BUN test is a quick and simple blood test commonly used to evaluate kidney function. If your doctor suspects you have a kidney disorder or another health condition, they will order additional tests to confirm a diagnosis and determine the cause.
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